Boating Safety Courses

Each year, more than 700 people of all ages lose their lives in boating accidents. Statistics show that very few of those boaters had any formal boater safety education. Also each year, more states are passing legislation requiring boater education in order to operate a boat. Therefore, one could conclude that not only is operating a boat without some formal boater education RISKY, it may soon be illegal in most states.

Make plans now to take a boater safety course. It’s educational and fun, and it could help ensure that you and your family end every day on the water with a safe return!

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary units conduct basic boating safety classes for the general public, and in most cases the classes satisfy requirements for State certification where required. The Auxiliary also provides instruction in advanced seamanship studies, like Coastal Navigation and Sail, and offer their members several advanced “specialty” courses. The cost of boating instruction from the Auxiliary is minimal. For more information on a boating safety course near you, contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary unit, or visit this Auxiliary courses page:

The United States Power Squadrons conduct basic boating safety classes for the general public, and many advanced courses for their members. Most Power Squadron courses satisfy requirements for State certification where required. The cost of boating instruction from the Power Squadrons is minimal. For information on a boating safety course near you, contact your local Power Squadron unit, or visit Power Squadron Course Locator page:

NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) is the organization of people responsible for boating safety and boating law enforcement on the State level. Your State Boating Law Administrator’s office is your best resource for information regarding State-sponsored boating courses. At NASBLA’s web site, you can find a directory of all State boating administrators offices. If you would like to check on your state’s educational requirements, I recommend you visit their State Boating Education Courses page.

There are many agencies and that offer boater safety courses “online”. However, make certain that the course is approved by NASBLA and your State Boating Law agency. If it is NOT, you will likely not qualify for the issuance of your State boating certificate where required. Included in the links below are some of the web sites which offer “online” boating safety courses.

You can also take some courses in the comfort of your living room. One such course (on DVD) is the Boating Course offered by the United States Power Squadrons. You can get more information on this course and how to order by visiting the United States Power Squadrons web site, or by calling toll-free 1-888-367-8777.

Another course is “America’s Boating Course”. The ABC course is described and offered for sale at the America’s Boating Course web site: